The former South African international Colin Ingram has announced his retirement from professional cricket after a career spanning more than two decades.

The 41-year-old confirmed his retirement on social media on Tuesday. He recently played for Glamorgan in the County Championship against Warwickshire two weeks ago and is set to make a farewell appearance against Essex.

“The day has finally arrived to announce my retirement from professional cricket,” said Colin Ingram.

Reflecting on his career, the left handed batter said he had fulfilled a childhood dream of playing the sport he loved.

“A shy farm kid grew up having a dream of playing the game he loved. For just over 20 years I’ve been fortunate to have lived that every day,” said Colin Ingram.

Colin Ingram made his domestic debut for Free State during the 2004-05 season before earning his South Africa debut in October 2010 during the ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe.

He represented South Africa in White-ball cricket until November 2013, featuring in 31 ODIs and nine T20Is. He scored a total of 843 runs in ODIs while he scored 210 runs in T20I format at a strike rate of 129.62.

Following his international career, Ingram had a successful franchise cricket, featuring in major competition including the IPL, BBL, ILT20, CPL, The Hundred, PSL and SA20.

He has played a total of 378 T20 matches overall, accumulating a total of 9017 runs at a strike rate of 138.50.

Colin Ingram confirmed that he will remain involved in cricket, with the former South African batter set to begin his coaching career.

“I’m not completely leaving the game. As one chapter closes, the next opens beyond the boundary as I begin my coaching career,” said Colin Ingram.

“Throughout my career I’ve dreamed big, worked hard, made memories, laughed and cried, seen things and places I never thought possible and met so many wonderful people along the way. I’ve had a full crack and left it all out there,” said Ingram in the post.